UV Sterilizer and Cleaning Sump

[RegalTang]

Hi everyone -

I bought an used 55 gal 48" tank and it comes with the sump and a JBJ Submariner UV-Sterilizer. I have two main things that I need help with:

1. I haven't plugged in the UV sterilizer yet, just reading over ome reviews on Google about this Sterilizer, majority of people said it's a good unit, but other said it has a design flaw that can cause shocks (due to water get inside the unit). What are your opinions on this unit, I want to use it but don't want to take a risk of getting shocked.

2. The sump is super super dirty, it has junks all over the wall, and the bio balls are stuck (like glued) together, I can't even take them out without force and a flathead screwdriver. I want to do a 100% cleaning on it but afraid that it will screw up my bio system, I don't want to lose any livestock or corals. I don't have much, just a Regal, Yellow, Kole Tangs; Clarki Clown and a dragon Goby, plus some frogspawns and a hammer.

When I got it home, it took almost one week to clear out the water, and after I added about 30lbs of live sand, it took three days to clear. It makes me think that the sump is not sufficient for the tank or too dirty. I want my water to be crystal clear.

Sorry, I don't have much information to give you guys as I bought the setup used. It's a 55 gal tank, 48" L x 12" W, built in overflow, sump has skimmer and bio balls, I added in Purigen and Chemipur.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Much to learn,

RegalTang

 

[mmiller40]

What are your goals? If your going to do a reef you can do away with the bio balls. I have never used UV in a reef tank. They kill off alot of the good stuff as well. They can also break up chemicals that you add to your tank and broken up some are toxic. If your going with fish only then the bio balls and UV can be useful

Welcome to the club! Im sure others will chime in with more opinions.

 

[RegalTang]

Thank you mmiler40!

I want to keep some corals, so I guess that'll make it a reef tank. I'm just worry about my tangs and want to provide them the best environment possible. Thanks again....

 

[mmiller40]

@RegalTang wrote:

Just dump the bioballs and use the wetdry as a sump. Do you have live rock? If not you need to keep the bio balls for now. You should also remove the bio balls in stages to let your aquarium build up beneficial bacteria in other places.
What kind of skimmer or do you have a skimmer? The ones sold with wet dry’s are usually glorified air-stones.

Http://www.reefaquariuminfo.com/Wet_Dry.html

Keep the UV though cause it would be great for a quarantine tank for new fish or if your tang gets a bad case of ich

 

[RegalTang]

I'll dump the bioballs in stages like you recommended. Yes, I do have live rocks in the main display but I know I need more. The skimmer is smaller Pro Clear Aquatic.

Should I thoroughly clean my sump?

thanks

 

[mmiller40]

@RegalTang wrote:

I would wait until you got all the balls out first. That gunk is doing the same thing as the balls, providing a place for bacteria to grow. You dont wanna remove too much as to cause the tank to cycle. The skimmer is slightly better than nothing, keep using it till you find a deal on a better one. You can find rock for about 2$ a pound if you keep your eye on the sale forum. Good luck Your close to me so hit me up if you need any help